Marlene Ruth ECKLUND

Our beloved Marlene died in our arms at home in Cranbrook on Monday, September 8. She was 67 years old.

Marlene was born to Ted and Rose (Turchak) Dean on January 7, 1941 in her grandmother’s house in Lake Valley, Saskatchewan. The family lived in Moose Jaw until moving to a farmstead near Lawson in 1952. In her younger years, Marlene enjoyed playing softball, dancing, and listening to Elvis Presley. She was a good student until she was distracted by the pursuit of Glen; they were married on July 14, 1961.

Marlene was the older sister to Donald, Judi (husband Donnie and sons Jordan and Brendon), Dianna (husband Bruce) and Donna. Marlene had a large extended family that included Evelyn, Inez, Verna (Keith), Shirley (Bob), Lorne (Diane), Garry (Gail), Leroy (Fran), and Dennis (Jo-Ann). Marlene also had many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marlene was predeceased by father Ted, George and Karin Ecklund (Glen’s parents), grandparents Arthur and Ruth Dean and Fred and Sophie Turchak, sisters-in-law Vivian, Norma, and Verna Dean (Central Butte, SK), as well as several aunts and uncles.

Mom will be deeply missed by husband Glen, sons Calvin (Carrie) and Dwight, granddaughter Sandra, Gus the cat, Elvis and Libby the granddogs, and Linus and Lucy the goats.

Marlene touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. She was a very social person who could talk for hours over a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine). She leaves friends in Hope, Revelstoke, and Cranbrook. Marlene was an avid gardener who loved flowers and birds, she adored vibrant colours, and she was a meticulous homemaker. She enjoyed playing bingo, card games, and trying her luck at the casino. She had a keen sense of humour and a sharp wit.

Marlene fought various forms of cancer with great dignity and courage for more than 10 years. She was helped in this struggle by Doctors Keith Lowden and Robert O’Brien and nurse Val Paolini of the Oncology Department of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and, more recently, the Home Care nurses of Interior Health. We wish to thank each of the doctors, nurses, and other staff for their compassionate care over the years. A special thank-you goes to Dr. Sarah Chesney of the F.W. Green Medical Centre for providing care and attention that went well beyond the call of duty.

A Celebration of Marlene’s Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, at McPherson’s Funeral Services, 2200 2nd Street South, Cranbrook.

Donations in lieu of flowers are requested. Marlene was a supporter of the BC Cancer Agency and the local SPCA.

We will miss you always.

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